CHICAGO, September 24, 2026 – Chicago residents hoping to build digital skills without taking on new tuition debt can now enrol in free information technology and computer courses through City Colleges of Chicago.
The new initiative offers tuition-free, self-paced certification tracks designed specifically for working adults, career changers, and total beginners.
Most instruction happens virtually during evening hours via Zoom, though a foundational computer course meets on Saturdays at Malcolm X College on Jackson Boulevard.
This is important as the process of acquiring a college education from an institution of higher learning is very lengthy, whereas technology changes instantly. Instead of making adult learners go through years of the educational process, the Community and Continuing Education department within the district has introduced four specific choices. The first three, which include Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, AWS Academy Cloud Foundations, and Google Cybersecurity Certificate, are focused on preparing the students for the examination conducted in the field.
The last choice, which is Computer Basics, takes a different approach. Here, the focus will be on file management and safe use of the computer system. This is a very important aspect as not all people have to start immediately with network threat detection and use of virtual machines.
“In this new landscape, continuous learning is a necessity,” explained Ayoka Noelle Samuels, associate vice chancellor of Technology Sector Strategy at City Colleges. She noted that combining core digital literacy with cloud and security training helps workers “work in tandem with AI technologies” rather than get left behind.
Of course, a short-term certification does not guarantee a salary of a hundred thousand dollars a year. Employment is always based on practical experience and the economy at the time. In addition, even with free tuition, other obstacles such as child care, transportation, and access to the Internet at home can be an obstacle.
Nevertheless, the city offers people the opportunity to enter the new economy without going into debt because there is no tuition fee.
Applications for enrollment are now being accepted through the continuing education website of the district. Some classes are partially financed by grants from the Illinois Community College Board.
